USA to Nippon

We can zoom around the country on Japan's extensive rail system

A nice futon (or 2) on which to lay our heads

Sushi & Sake! & so much more!

everything from a sumo wrestling match to a kabuki theater performance - bring it on!

Family history is fascinating! As we officially start/continue our own family story, we are excited & intrigued by the notion of more deeply exploring the people and places we are tied to, both present and past.

We live in a charming but old house - it's a constant work in progress. Our list of projects seems endless. To name a couple, we are hoping for a minor bathroom remodel and new siding + insulation sometime in the not-too-distant future.

We've put a lot of work into our yard over the years and are trying to get to a point where it is primarily xeriscape. We still have a ways to go!

no explanation needed....

we both enjoy it plus it's good for mind, body, spirit

Audiobooks - what's not to love?

"Because freedom can't protect itself" For almost 100 years, the American Civil Liberties Union has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. https://www.aclu.org/

The mission of Medical Research Charities is to support the discovery of successful treatments and cures for some of life’s most dreaded diseases. MRC is a Federation of charities that are solely dedicated to research, prevention, education and advocacy. https://medicalresearchcharities.org/

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society to be established in North America. The organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. http://www.aspca.org/

We hope to spend one night at a traditional onsen ryoken. This essentially incorporates natural hot spring and a bed & breakfast.

Japan is home to countless Buddhist temples & Shinto shrines, as well as numerous museums and historical monuments. We want to observe and absorb as much of the culture as we can while we are there.

Highly ritualized ceremony involving preparation and presentation of matcha tea accompanied by sweet treats - we love everything about this.

* Miyagi Zao FOX Village * Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Japanese macaques) * Rabbit Island (Ōkunoshima)

Spending the night nestled in a romantic treehouse followed or preceded by a zipline adventure through the canopy? Yes please. Since we will not be honeymooning immediately, we are hoping for a minimoon shortly after the wedding. http://www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com/